10/05/2026
How you manage a credit card matters just as much as which card you choose. 💳
These do’s and don’ts can help you understand borrowing costs, manage balances, and make informed credit decisions.
DO understand interest rates and fees. Review the annual percentage rate (APR), annual fee, and fees for transactions such as balance transfers or cash advances. Different transactions may have different rates.
DO make payments on time. At least the minimum payment is due each month. Late payments can lead to fees and may damage your credit history. Payment reminders or autopay can help you stay on schedule, provided sufficient funds are available.
DO pay more than the minimum when possible. Minimum payments keep your account current when paid on time, but may leave you carrying debt longer. Paying more helps reduce the balance faster and can lower interest costs when interest applies.
DON’T max out your credit cards. Credit utilization is the share of your available credit that you use. High utilization can negatively affect your credit score, so avoid treating your credit limit as a spending goal.
DON’T take on more debt than you can repay. Before charging a purchase, consider your existing bills and decide how it will fit into your repayment budget.
DON’T close old cards without weighing the consequences. Closing a card reduces your available credit and can increase utilization if you still have balances elsewhere. However, closing may make sense if fees outweigh the benefits or keeping the card encourages overspending.
At Commonwealth National Bank, we support financial education alongside access to credit card options, including cards with 0% introductory APR offers. These offers can reduce interest costs on eligible balances temporarily, but payments are still required, fees may apply, and the applicable standard APR applies after the introductory period. Create a payoff plan before using an offer.
Explore CNB’s credit cards and review current rates, fees, and terms at https://www.ecommonwealthbank.com/credit-cards/.
Credit approval required.
The creditor and issuer is Elan Financial Services.